M is for microwave popcorn. PFOA is a chemical that coats microwave popcorn bags, non-stick frying pans — even pizza boxes. It'll be phased out by 2015.

N is for nature. Being outside reduces stress, anger and depression, and increases creativity, curiosity and problem-solving ability. Kids who spend time in nature are more resilient and cope better.

O is for outdoors. Kids are more attentive when a lesson on the same topic is presented in a park or schoolyard instead of a classroom. Teachers have to redirect the class less and students concentrate better.

P is for playground. Playgrounds that incorporate logs, flowers and small streams provide more variety of play opportunities and are better at supporting social interaction and physical development for children than concrete jungle gyms.

Q is for quats. Found in bathroom cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners and fabric softeners, quats can induce an allergic response in humans and are toxic to aquatic organisms.

S is for Sustainable Shopper's Guide.Download a copy and avoid toxic chemicals like DEA (diethanolamine), which makes bubble bath bubbly, but can irritate skin and eyes and is toxic to the immune and nervous systems.

T is for toothbrush. Preserve turns plastic yogurt containers into toothbrushes you can send back for recycling, instead of to the landfill.

V is for visit a neighbour. Human beings don't live in economies — we live in families and neighbourhoods. Hang a tree swing, organize a street hockey tournament or host a potluck.

W is for water. Many small songbirds need to drink about twice a day. Bathing helps keep their feathers in good condition. But don't set up a bird bath if you have outdoor cats!

X is for xeriscaping. Use up to 50 per cent less water by landscaping with native plants better adapted to your area.

Y is for yard. Rainfall and snowmelt pick up pollutants like garden pesticides, oil and grease from cars and de-icing salts used on roads and sidewalks that end up in streams, rivers and oceans. Turn your yard into a rain garden to help remove contaminants from surface water.

Read more

Post a comment

YES — I would like to receive email from the David Suzuki Foundation! (You may unsubscribe at any time.)

Your email address will not be displayed.

3 Comments

May 06, 2014 1:13 PM

Grace Wyatt says...

You would have to make your own mosquito repellant… This Canadian government has banned all herbal mosquito repellants except citronella, and citronella is to be phased out.
Why? Because our government says it’s the responsibility of each small company to do scientific studies to prove that their product is not toxic (which of course they cannot afford to do). How strange that they feel only DEET has been proven safe.
How strange that this is happening without a big group of consumers demanding it because of bad experiences with herbal repellants. In fact, despite all the government cutbacks, there were enough officials to actually go into a health food store in a town of about 300,000 and remove all herbal insecticides or even anything with a picture of a bug on it.
We live in strange times.

Apr 22, 2014 7:17 AM

Penelope Truex says...

I woulddsay K is for Know your local wildlife authorities. Many will kill any animal you report as a nusance. Sometimes it is better to intervene and get injured animal to the vat, using great care of course. I f there are no wildlife rehabilitators in you area,you or the vet is the best bet, because the authorities will kill at the drop of a hat, esp. species unliked.

The David Suzuki Foundation does not necessarily endorse the comments or views posted within this forum. All contributors acknowledge DSF's right to refuse publication of comments deemed to be offensive or that contravene our operating principles as a charitable organization. Please note that all comments are pre-moderated. Privacy Policy »